Rotterdam-based storage terminal owner VTTI, co-owned by Vitol, IFM, and Adnoc, is looking to develop a new FSRU-based facility that will provide the Netherlands additional storage and import capacity for LNG.
VTTI said in statement on Monday that the FSRU would be connected to one of the largest industrial clusters in the Netherlands and to the Dutch and European gas grid.
The facility would have an annual throughput capacity of about 5 billion cubic meters, which corresponds to around 15 percent of the current total gas consumption in the Netherlands.
VTTI did not provide any further information regarding the FSRU.
In time, VTTI said it plans to use the infrastructure for the import of green energy carriers such as hydrogen.
The firm aims to bring the facility online in the beginning of 2024.
Security of supply
Dutch gas transmission network operator Gasunie on Monday revealed additional information regarding its plans to boost LNG import capacity in the European country.
Gasunie already operates the new Eemshaven LNG hub and the Gate terminal in Rotterdam with Vopak and the firm is planning a new FSRU-based facility in Terneuzen.
The new move fits in with the plans climate minister Rob Jetten sent to the Lower House on December 9, Gasunie said.
A spokeswoman for Gasunie told LNG Prime that the announcement by VTTI is a different project and has nothing to do with the company’s LNG capacity expansion plans.
Should both Gasunie’s Terneuzen development and this project by VTTI materialize, the Netherlands would have three FSRU-based terminals in the future.
In its statement, VTTI also mentioned the letter by minister Jetten regarding LNG capacity expansion.
The firm said that the Netherlands and Europe need additional capacity, contributing to the security of supply.
At the same time, the new capacity would strengthen the competitiveness in LNG deliveries and infrastructure, while delivering a transitional infrastructure solution towards green energy carriers, VTTI said.
Worldwide LNG portfolio
Guy Moeyens, CEO VTTI, said in the statement that, as part of the company’s diversification strategy, VTTI’s ambition is to develop a worldwide LNG portfolio at strategic locations, offering transitional solutions for green energy carriers such as hydrogen.
“The Netherlands needs additional LNG import capacity in the short term to enhance energy supply security. We are pleased to contribute to this based on our many years of experience in the field of energy infrastructure and storage,” Moeyens said.
VTTI said that these plans are “in line with the Dutch government policy, to work towards a CO2-neutral and circular energy economy by 2040.”
“Due to the necessity of this energy transition and the short-term need for extra LNG import capacity, VTTI relies on a fruitful collaboration with the national and regional government as well as relevant authorities involved,” it said.